Kadyrov fears that he will lose Putin’s favor – ISW

The Institute for the Study of War believes that the leader of Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov, may fear losing the commitment of Russian President Vladimir Putin, as he has little to show in terms of Chechen military achievements. . This is stated in the ISW summary for Monday, March 13th.

It noted that Kadyrov met with Putin on March 13 to discuss Chechnya’s socio-economic achievements in 2022. Kadyrov also used the meeting to “welcome the achievements of the Chechens in Ukraine” and stressed that the fighters of Chechens “faithfully carry out Putin’s orders and strive to act until the bitter end.”

ISW analysts point out that Kadyrov was visibly nervous during the meeting, which may indicate that he is under great pressure to present Chechnya, himself and his troops to Putin in a positive and productive light.

“Chechen units currently play a minor role at the front in Ukraine and mainly conduct offensive operations near Belogorivka in the Luhansk region, as well as perform law enforcement functions in the rear areas of the occupied territories of Ukraine. Therefore, Kadyrov may fear that he is losing favor with Putin, as he has little to show from the point of view of achievements in the Chechen war,” the report said.

According to analysts, the leader of Chechnya probably hopes the meeting will improve and strengthen his reputation. Putin, in turn, may be hoping to force Kadyrov to increase the role of Chechen fighters in the conflict due to continued defeat as a PMC Wagnerand regular Russian troops in offensive operations in Ukraine.

Remember, according to ISW, Putin is looking for “scapegoats” on whom to blame for Russia’s failures in the war against Ukraine.

Kadyrov intends to create his own PMC